Scottsdale, Arizona - from Sunshine to Shakes!

Scottsdale’s Open Spaces



43% of Scottsdale’s land area is dedicated as Open Spaces. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve comprises roughly third, encompassing 35,500 acres of untamed desert. This vast urban preserve – the largest of its kind in the nation – encompasses more than 30,500 acres and boasts 225+ miles of scenic shared-use trails in the McDowell Mountain foothills for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The Gateway, one of the Preserve’s 11 trailheads, is a great place to start your explorations. Here you’ll find trails for all skill levels, from the ADA accessible Bajada Nature Trail to the calorie-busting Windgate Pass Trail.

Art & Design Mecca

Find 100+ art galleries, nearly 100 public artworks and two art museums in Scottsdale, plus Taliesin West, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The arts take centre stage in the Scottsdale Arts District, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and the weekly ArtWalk.

SMoCA, an ingenious renovation of an old movie theatre by architect Will Bruder, celebrates the modern art, architecture and design of our time through thought-provoking, changing exhibitions. The museum is also home to Knight Rise, a public “skyspace” by acclaimed artist James Turrell (one of only a handful in the world!).

Wonderspaces AZ is a fascinating exploration of the idea that art is for everyone. The captivating, interactive displays allow you to experience art through sight, touch, sound, movement and even virtual reality. Exhibitions change frequently, so there’s always something new to explore at Wonderspaces!

Hotels and Spas Galore!

Scottsdale is home to more than 70 hotels and resorts, and more than 50 resort and day spas. From ultra-luxe, five-diamond resorts and chic urban hotels to cozy Sonoran Desert hideaways and budget-friendly lodgings fit for the whole family, there's something for everyone.  Here's a few of our favourites:

Mountain Shadow Resort stands at the heart of Paradise Valley. An iconic resort that originally opened in 1959 and has been completely rebuilt as a stunning boutique resort. It is set in the shadow of Camelback Mountain, just 10 minutes from Historic Old Town Scottsdale, and is centred around the unparalleled views of the impressive mountain range. Its contemporary design is infused with a dash of 1950s modernism and plenty of natural light, and the rooms, suites and lofts are all beautifully furnished and equipped with everything you could possibly need. Enjoy delicious cuisine at Hearth ’61, yoga and fitness in the Citizens Club, cocktails by the sparkling pool or 18 holes of golf on the Short Course.

Set in the exclusive Paradise Valley neighbourhood, Hermosa Inn was originally hand-crafted by cowboy artist Alonzo ‘Lon’ Megargee as his private residence. Today the inn’s adobe architecture has kept its ‘Old Arizona’ charm and character and offers guests a boutique experience, surrounded by spectacular landscaping and beautiful desert scenery. The 43 casitas retain the personality and atmosphere of the original hacienda, but with modern and upgraded amenities, and original artwork as well as Artist in Residence programmes can be seen throughout the inn. There is a bar and renowned restaurant serving Arizona fare, swimming pool, fitness room and spa treatment rooms. 

The Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch is set amidst flowering cactus and framed against the majestic McDowell Mountains. The spacious guest rooms have stunning views and balconies or patios. The amenities include Wi-Fi, complimentary shuttle to local shopping, eight restaurants and bars, a Starbucks coffee bar, a world-class spa, a 27-hole championship golf course, tennis courts and a 2.5 acre water playground.

Endless Food & Wine

Scottsdale loves to wine and dine visitors, with over 800 restaurants and seven wine tasting rooms serving Arizona wine, all packed into 185 square miles. Scottsdale’s food and wine scene is booming with lots of great independent restaurants and even a wine trail to explore. Head to The Mission for tasty tacos and the freshest guacamole, made right at your table! Head to Hand Cut Chophouse for fresh and modern burger creations in a buzzy space or enjoy the wood fired pizza with homemade mozzarella at Craft 64, all washed down with lots of craft beer.  And no trip to Scottsdale is complete without a stop at ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho For its retro chic vibe and Show Stopper Shakes.

Scottsdale's Wine Trail is in Old Town Scottsdale and currently has six unique stops within walking distance: Aridus Wine Company, Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Carlson Creek Tasting Room, LDV Winery Tasting Room, Merkin Vineyards, and Salvatore Vineyards Tasting Room. Expect to find award-winning Rhone variety wines and accompanying cheese boards - all from Arizona vineyards.

This cooperative of wineries united to advance education and exposure for Arizona produced wines and the growing wine industry statewide. As you sample your way through a diverse selection of flavour profiles, you’ll learn about the various microclimates that make Arizona a prime location for growing grapes and producing award-winning wine.

There’s a beer for every palate and season. That’s especially true in this Sonoran Desert destination, where you can find eight breweries and beer houses along the Scottsdale Ale Trail, and more than 30 local craft breweries in the greater Scottsdale area, all pouring a wide variety of tasty brews.